Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts. Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Mookie Betts' potential position change will have to wait another day

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/19/23

Due to an influx of injuries in the infield, speculation began to rise about a potential position change for star outfielder Mookie Betts, but that will have to wait at least another day.

Many initially expected Betts to start his first career at shortstop Wednesday against the New York Mets. However, the Dodgers chose not to activate Betts off the paternity list, giving Luke Williams the nod at short.

Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts is still on paternity leave. Miguel Rojas is getting tests on his hamstring. Length of his absence is unknown at this point. Chris Taylor has improved but is again out of the lineup.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) April 19, 2023

While Betts wasn't in the lineup at shortstop for Wednesday's contest, it doesn't mean he won't end up there very shortly. Betts has been practicing at shortstop recently, and earlier this week, manager Dave Roberts gave him a massive vote of confidence.

"He looks extremely natural," Roberts said via The Athletic. "The guy can play anywhere on a baseball field. So I think there was some reservations about him playing second base last year and he quickly put those to bed."

This week alone, the Dodgers have lost two viable shortstops to injury. Chris Taylor left Monday's game with an injury to his left side, and on Tuesday, Miguel Rojas went down, bothered by a hamstring.

While Taylor and Rojas are likely dealing with short-term injuries, they join the IL alongside Gavin Lux, who underwent season-ending knee surgery in early March.

Mookie Betts taking some grounders at short and looks like a natural. He can literally play anywhere. #WBC2023 @WBCBaseball @azfamily pic.twitter.com/RrTNoXpWxZ
— Julia Lopez (@JuliaLopez3) March 13, 2023

Betts is the next logical option for the Dodgers, especially with the status of Taylor and Rojas up in the air. Betts' move to shortstop might take less of a transition than many believe.

The 30-year-old does have some experience playing infield, starting at second base 35 times over his career, including five games this season.

If a right fielder starting a shortstop sounds odd, it isn't. Not for the Dodgers, at least. According to Eric Stephen of SB Nation, Hanser Alberto was the last Dodger to start at both positions in one season, only a season ago, in 2022.

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